Understanding the MLA Running Header
The MLA running header is a fundamental component of academic papers formatted according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. It serves a crucial organizational purpose: to clearly identify your work and allow readers to easily navigate through your document. Unlike a traditional header which might contain a title, the MLA running header is minimalist, consisting only of the author's last name and the sequential page number, placed in the top-right corner of every page.
This seemingly small detail plays a significant role in academic integrity and presentation. It ensures that if pages become separated, they can be quickly reassembled and attributed to the correct author. For instructors grading numerous papers, a consistent and correct running header is invaluable for tracking progress and providing feedback. The MLA 9th Edition standard consistently requires this format for formal academic papers, making it a skill every student needs to master.
Essential MLA Formatting Basics (Quick Recap)
Before diving into the running header, it’s helpful to quickly review the general formatting guidelines for MLA style, as the header must align with these standards:
- Double-Spacing: The entire paper, including the running header, main body, and Works Cited page, should be double-spaced.
- 1-inch Margins: All margins (top, bottom, left, and right) should be set to one inch.
- Font: Use a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman. Other standard, easily readable fonts like Arial or Calibri are also acceptable, but consistency is key.
- First Page Heading: The first page of your paper includes specific information aligned to the left margin: your full name, your instructor's name, the course title, and the date, each on a separate double-spaced line.
- Paper Title: Your paper's title should be centered on the page, double-spaced below the date, and also in 12-point Times New Roman (or your chosen font). Do not bold, italicize, or underline your title.
- Works Cited Page: A separate page at the end of your document lists all sources cited in your paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines.
The running header is one piece of this larger formatting puzzle. Ensuring it's correct demonstrates your attention to detail and understanding of academic standards.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating an MLA Running Header in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a widely used tool for academic writing. Follow these steps to correctly implement your MLA running header.
1. Open Your Document
Begin by opening your existing academic paper or starting a new document in Microsoft Word.
2. Access the Header Area
There are a couple of ways to get into the header section of your document:
- Double-click: The quickest method is to double-click anywhere in the top margin area of your page. This will automatically open the Header & Footer Tools.
- Insert Tab: Alternatively, go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon. In the "Header & Footer" group, click "Header," then select "Edit Header" from the dropdown menu.
3. Insert Page Numbers
Once you're in the header area, you'll see a new "Header & Footer" tab appear on your ribbon.
- Go to the "Header & Footer" tab.
- Click on "Page Number."
- Select "Top of Page."
- From the options, choose "Plain Number 3." This option places the page number at the top-right corner, which is where it needs to be for MLA.
Crucial Note: By default, Word might try to apply "Different First Page" formatting, meaning the first page would not have a header. For standard MLA, the running header must appear on every page, including the first. Ensure the "Different First Page" checkbox in the "Options" group of the "Header & Footer" tab is unchecked. If your instructor specifically asks for no page number on the first page, then you would check this box.
4. Add Your Last Name
With the page number now inserted at the top right, your cursor will likely be positioned immediately to its left.
- Type your last name.
- Press the spacebar once to create a single space between your last name and the page number.
5. Format the Font
Both your last name and the page number need to match the font and size of your main body text.
- Select both your last name and the page number in the header.
- Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.
- Change the font to "Times New Roman" (or your chosen MLA-compliant font).
- Set the font size to "12pt."
6. Close the Header
To exit the header area and return to your document's body:
- Click the "Close Header and Footer" button in the "Header & Footer" tab.
- Alternatively, simply double-click anywhere in the main body of your document.
Your running header is now correctly set up. Word will automatically increment the page numbers on subsequent pages.
Example in Word:
``` [Your Last Name] 1 ``` (This text would appear at the top-right of your first page, with the number incrementing on each subsequent page.)
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating an MLA Running Header in Google Docs
Google Docs offers a straightforward way to create your MLA running header.
1. Open Your Document
Open your existing Google Docs paper or start a new document.
2. Access the Header Area
To open the header section:
- Go to the "Insert" tab in the menu bar.
- Hover over "Header & page number."
- Select "Header" from the submenu.
- Alternatively, you can simply double-click in the top margin area of your page.
3. Insert Page Numbers
Once the header area is active:
- Go back to the "Insert" tab.
- Hover over "Header & page number" again.
- Select "Page numbers" from the submenu.
- Choose the option that places numbers at the top right, starting on the first page (usually the second thumbnail option, which shows "1" in the top right corner of the first page icon). Ensure "Show page number on first page" is checked.
Important: Google Docs also has a "Different first page" option. For standard MLA, make sure this is not checked unless your instructor specifically asks for no page number on the first page.
4. Add Your Last Name
With the page number now inserted at the top right:
- Move your cursor to the left of the page number.
- Type your last name.
- Press the spacebar once to create a single space between your last name and the page number.
5. Format the Font
Ensure your header text matches your document's main body font and size.
- Select both your last name and the page number in the header.
- Use the font dropdown menu in the toolbar to select "Times New Roman" (or your chosen MLA-compliant font).
- Use the font size dropdown to set it to "12pt."
6. Close the Header
To exit the header area:
- Simply click anywhere in the main body of your document.
Google Docs will now automatically apply your running header with incrementing page numbers to all pages.
Example in Google Docs:
``` [Your Last Name] 1 ``` (This text would appear at the top-right of your first page, with the number incrementing on each subsequent page.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them
Even a simple running header can be a source of common errors. Knowing these pitfalls can save you time and ensure your paper is perfectly formatted.
1. Missing Last Name
- Mistake: Only the page number appears, e.g., "1" instead of "Smith 1".
- Fix: Re-enter the header area (double-click the top margin). Place your cursor directly before the inserted page number, type your last name, and then add a single space.
2. Last Name After Page Number
- Mistake: The order is incorrect, e.g., "1 Smith" instead of "Smith 1".
- Fix: Enter the header area. Cut your last name, then paste it before the page number. Ensure there's only one space between them.
3. Incorrect Font or Size
- Mistake: The header font or size doesn't match the main body text (e.g., Arial 10pt when the body is Times New Roman 12pt).
- Fix: Access the header. Select both your last name and the page number. Go to the "Home" tab (Word) or use the toolbar (Google Docs) and apply the correct font (e.g., Times New Roman) and size (12pt).
4. Including "Page" or "p." Before the Number
- Mistake: Writing "Page 1" or "p. 1" in the header.
- Fix: Enter the header area and simply delete the unnecessary "Page" or "p." MLA style only requires the numerical page number.
5. Page Numbering Starts Incorrectly
- Mistake: The page numbers begin on page 2, or the first page is numbered "0".
- Fix (Word):
If numbers start on page 2: Go to the "Header & Footer" tab, click "Page Number," then "Format Page Numbers." Ensure "Start at:" is set to "1." Also, confirm that "Different First Page" is unchecked in the "Header & Footer" tab. If numbers start at "0": Follow the "Format Page Numbers" steps above and ensure "Start at:" is "1."
- Fix (Google Docs):
If numbers start on page 2: Go to "Insert" > "Header & page number" > "Page numbers." Make sure the option "Show page number on first page" is selected. Also, confirm "Different first page" is not* checked unless specifically instructed.
6. Running Header Not Appearing on All Pages
- Mistake: The header only shows on the first page, or it skips pages.
- Fix: This is usually due to the "Different First Page" (Word) or "Different first page" (Google Docs) option being enabled. Enter the header area and ensure this option is unchecked unless your instructor has provided specific instructions to omit the header from the first page.
Why the Running Header Matters
The running header, while a small detail, is a hallmark of a well-prepared academic paper. It shows your meticulousness and respect for academic standards. Beyond simply fulfilling a requirement, a correctly formatted running header enhances the readability and organization of your work. It helps your instructor or reader keep track of your progress, especially when dealing with physical copies or navigating through lengthy digital documents.
Consistency in formatting, from the overall margins to the smallest detail like the running header, contributes significantly to the overall clarity and credibility of your academic submissions. It signals that you understand and adhere to the conventions of academic discourse, which is a valuable skill in any educational or professional context. For complex formatting challenges or when you need an extra layer of assurance that your paper meets all academic standards, platforms like EssayMatrix offer professional writing and editing services. Their experts ensure your work adheres to all citation and formatting guidelines, including perfect MLA running headers.
When to Deviate (Instructor's Discretion)
It's important to remember that while the MLA Handbook provides comprehensive guidelines, your instructor's specific instructions always take precedence. Some instructors might, for instance, ask you to omit the running header on the first page, or for very short assignments, they might not require a running header at all. Always review your assignment prompt and any specific guidelines provided by your instructor. If there's a conflict between MLA standards and your instructor's requirements, follow your instructor's guidance. If in doubt, default to the standard MLA 9th edition rules as outlined in this guide.
Conclusion
Mastering the MLA running header is a straightforward yet essential skill for any student. By following these step-by-step instructions for Microsoft Word and Google Docs, and by being aware of common errors, you can ensure that your academic papers are always correctly formatted and present a polished, professional appearance. Precision in formatting reflects precision in thought—a valuable attribute that will serve you well throughout your academic journey and beyond.